2 Best SIM Cards for Albania in 2024
To all of you planning a trip to Albania, Përshëndetje ! (Hello!) Are you preparing for your trip? Albania is also known as the last uncharted territory in Europe, as it had a closed socialist system until 1990. It is an attractive country with beautiful beaches along the Ionian Sea, beautiful mountainous areas, and historical townscapes from the Roman and Ottoman eras. You can also enjoy Albanian local cuisine influenced by neighboring Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Here we will introduce how to choose the best SIM card for your stay in Albania and how to use it.
1. How to choose a SIM card that can be used safely in Albania
Checking communication coverage and quality
To ensure stable communications in Albania, choose a SIM card from a reliable telecommunications carrier. Vodafone Albania and One , which are available in Albania, offer wide coverage from urban areas to rural areas. It is especially important to check the communication quality in tourist areas and suburban areas. If you are planning to travel around Europe, a SIM card that supports multiple countries is very convenient.
Select your data plan and speed
3G/4G LTE networks are widely available in Albania in major cities and tourist destinations. Choose the plan that best suits you based on how much you plan to use during your trip. If you plan to stream videos, upload photos to social media sites , and download large amounts of data, a larger data plan may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you plan to use it mainly for emails and messaging, a smaller data plan may be sufficient.
How to choose a rate plan
Consider how much data you will need during your trip and choose the most suitable plan. If you are staying for a short period of time, a pro-rata plan is convenient. It is important to compare data capacity, expiration date, and availability of calls and SMS to choose a plan that suits your usage style.
2. Check the type and size of your SIM card in advance
Checking SIM card type and compatibility
Before you travel, make sure your smartphone is compatible with Albania's mobile data standards. Nano SIMs are the norm for newer devices, but older models may require a different size. Find out what type of SIM card your device requires before you travel. You'll also need a special pin to replace your SIM card, so it's handy to have one ready in advance.
3. How to buy a SIM card in Albania?
Where to buy a SIM card
Tirana International Airport has a SIM card sales counter that you can use immediately after arriving. You can also purchase a SIM card at carrier shops in major cities. When purchasing a SIM card, you will often be asked to show your passport. Be sure to bring your passport with you to prove that you are a tourist. It is best to have the SIM card activated on the spot after purchasing it. Many carrier shops and sales counters will activate the card for you at the time of purchase. They will also help you with the setup process and how to choose a data plan, so if you are unsure, ask the staff.
Recommended SIM cards for Albania
■ Vodafone Albania SIM
Vodafone is one of the most widely used telecommunications companies in Albania, providing stable communications in urban and rural areas. SIM cards can be purchased at Vodafone shops in airports and major cities. Prepaid plans for tourists range from 700 Lekë (lek) valid for 10 days with a 1.5GB limit to 2900 Lekë valid for 21 days with a 100GB limit.
■ One Albania SIM
One Albania is a telecommunications company originally established as a state-owned enterprise in 1995. It has undergone several mergers and acquisitions and was rebranded as One Albania in 2023. Like Vodafone , it offers prepaid plans for travelers, with a 40GB plan for 2500 Lekë and a 100GB plan for 2900 Lekë , both valid for 21 days.
*Please be sure to check the price and contents of each SIM card before purchasing.
Tips for using a SIM card in Albania
Where to buy a SIM card and how to prepare
In Albania, you can purchase SIM cards at airports and mobile phone shops in major cities. However, activation can take some time, so if you want to use the internet right away on the first day of your trip, it's important to act early. Many stores accept not only cash, but also credit cards and debit cards, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case. Small stores, especially in rural areas, may not accept cards.
Choose your data plan
If you use the smartphone you brought from Japan while in Albania, if you leave data roaming on, your data may be used automatically for notifications from SNS apps and updates to game apps, which can result in high data charges. Check the data volume and speed limits for your local data plan and choose a data plan that suits your usage patterns.
Check the SIM card size
Before you travel, check which SIM card your smartphone supports. Nano SIMs are the norm for the latest devices, but older models may require a different size. You'll also need a special pin to replace your SIM card, so be sure to have one ready in advance. It's also a good idea to bring a case or pouch to keep your current SIM card safe.
Checking SIM lock status
If your smartphone is SIM -locked by a specific carrier, you may not be able to use the local SIM card. If your smartphone is SIM- locked, you will need to ask your carrier to unlock it. The unlocking process can take several days, so be sure to do so early in your travel plans. Be sure to check the conditions and costs required for unlocking in advance.
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■Benefits of eSIM when staying in Albania
If you are planning a trip to Albania, we highly recommend eSIM as a means of communication. Unlike conventional physical SIM cards, eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into a smartphone or tablet. By using eSIM, you do not need to replace the physical SIM card, and you can immediately use local communication services by simply setting up a few simple steps online. When renting a Wi-Fi router, you have to carry it around, charge it, and return it, but with eSIM, such troublesome work is not necessary at all. In addition, it is safe to use in terms of security, so there is no need to use public Wi-Fi. This will definitely make your trip even more comfortable and enjoyable. Take advantage of the latest communication technology "eSIM" and enjoy your trip to Albania to the fullest!
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summary
In this article, we introduced how to choose the perfect SIM card for your stay in Albania, in particular the benefits of eSIM and points to note when using it. We hope that the comfortable and convenient VOYAGE eSIM eSIM will make your trip even more enjoyable and memorable. Udhë e mbarë!! (Have a good trip!)
